Kansas City Faces Notable Layoffs in 2024
Kansas City is buzzing with activity as its economy remains robust, but amidst this vigor, the area has witnessed some significant layoffs in 2024. While many of these job cuts stem from changes at General Motors, there are also several companies making tough decisions that have affected the employment landscape. Let’s take a closer look at who has been impacted and the reasons behind these layoffs.
General Motors’ Transition
One of the biggest stories this year is the impending layoffs at General Motors (GM). The Fairfax Assembly Plant is gearing up for a transformation as the company shifts towards manufacturing electric vehicles. This transition means temporary layoffs, with GM announcing plans to temporarily lay off 686 employees starting November 18. Alongside these layoffs, an additional 250 temporary employees will also be impacted on the same date. After this round, the assembly plant will still operate on the first shift.
The changes don’t stop there. GM will initiate another wave of temporary layoffs affecting 759 employees on January 12. Although these layoffs are significant, they are primarily tied to the retooling process, emphasizing that these cuts may be temporary in nature.
Adient and Other Local Companies
Another notable company making headlines is Adient PLC, which supplies seating for automotive manufacturers. The Riverside operation is set to cut 109 positions on November 11, with an additional 63 jobs disappearing on January 6. The reasoning provided for these layoffs references the completion of a specific customer’s production needs.
C2FO also faced downsizing, having laid off 16 people in its supplier resource management department this past June. Additionally, Hostess Brands, known for its iconic snacks, notified employees of 79 layoffs at its Lenexa headquarters in July, following its sale to The J.M. Smucker Company.
Oracle Health and Other Major Layoffs
In the manufacturing sector, Oregon Tool Inc. made the decision to completely shut down its Kansas City operation, resulting in 80 layoffs. Similarly, Penske Logistics will also temporarily lay off 70 employees starting this November, impacting those who support the GM plant.
Retail and Healthcare Sectors Restructuring
In the retail sector, Walmart faced its own challenges this year, announcing 318 employee layoffs at its e-commerce facility in Edgerton. Though the company does provide options for employees to move to its distribution center in Topeka with a financial incentive, the layoffs nonetheless present a significant shift.
Healthcare has not gone unscathed either, with Signature Psychiatric Hospital closing operations at North Kansas City Hospital and Liberty Hospital, leading to layoffs of 124 full-time and 30 part-time workers.
Emerging Job Cuts
Alongside these major layoffs, various other companies have also made the decision to cut jobs. Legacy Supply Chain laid off 76 employees in September, while Yanfeng International Automotive Technology Co. Ltd. plans to close its Riverside facility and lay off 444 people in mid-November. Furthermore, Student Transportation of America saw a loss of 149 workers after losing a vital contract with the local school district.
Although layoffs can be disheartening, it’s essential to remember that several companies are also hiring in Kansas City. With the economy on the brink of transition, there’s hope for job recovery in time to come. If you have news of additional layoffs or hiring in the area, please reach out and share your insights. Kansas City is resilient, and together, we can navigate these changes.
